The following are some of the bills voted on by the House of Representatives in February that I thought would be of interest to you. For more information on these or other bills, please contact my office toll-free at (888) 750-DEAN.
Cut Legislators' Pay: The House passed House Concurrent Resolution 3, which requests the State Officers Compensation Commission (SOCC) to recommend a 10 percent reduction of the salaries of the Legislature, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General and the Secretary of State. The plan also urges the SOCC to ensure that none of its future recommendations exceed the average increase in state employee pay. I voted for this resolution and feel that it is important that state officials lead by example during these difficult economic times.
Buy American with Stimulus Funds: The House passed House Resolution 9 that urges the President and Congress to ensure that benefits of the federal economic stimulus package are used to support American businesses and jobs, and to discourage the purchasing of products manufactured in another country, or products or services outsourced to another country.
Resolution to Approve Federal Stimulus Package: The House passed House Resolution 21 to request that the members of the Michigan congressional delegation vote in favor of the economic stimulus package that was under consideration at the federal level.
Supporting the Auto Industry and Manufacturers: The House passed House Resolution 24, which urges Congress and the President to invest in American manufacturing, including the domestic auto industry and their suppliers.
Declaring NAACP Week: The House passed House Resolution 22, which establishes February 8-14, 2009 as NAACP Week in the State of Michigan.
Honoring Congressman Dingell: The House passedHouse Resolution 23 to honor Congressman John D. Dingell. On February 11, 2009, Congressman Dingell became the longest serving member of the United States House of Representatives.
Extend Cormorant Depredation Indefinitely: The House passed House Resolution 16 to request that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service extend the depredation order for double-crested cormorants.
Gun Lake Casino Resolution: The House passed the Gun Lake Casino Resolution to enter a gaming compact negotiated between the Governor and the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan (commonly referred to as the Gun Lake Tribe). The resolution maximizes the state's opportunities and abilities to affect the terms and conditions of gaming under federal law relating to the compact.
To monitor legislation, visit www.legislature.mi.gov.